A Monthly Update
6/2/11
What’s New?
The Trexler Library website’s New Materials page is a great place to discover what’s new at the library. This page, frequently updated, lists all the newest books, DVDs, audiobooks, and databases available at the library.
Complete Cambridge Histories Online
The Cambridge Histories, long respected as some of the most authoritative introductions to history, are now available online to Muhlenberg affiliates through library subscription. To access, search the Trexler Library Catalog for Cambridge Histories Online, or visit http://0-histories.cambridge.org.library.muhlenberg.edu/uid=1931/collection?id=cho_complete .
Maximize Your Copy Rights
Duke University copyright attorney and librarian Kevin Smith spoke at Muhlenberg College in early May to an audience of about 40 faculty and librarians from around Eastern PA. One of his key messages was that we in higher education have a friend in fair use. Fair use, a tiny exception in the U.S. copyright code, allows educators to utilize copyrighted works without seeking permission, so long as the use is based (in good faith) on these 4 criteria:
- the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
- the nature of the copyrighted work;
- the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
- the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.
Kevin conceded that the criteria are vague. That is the beauty and the curse of this flexible exception to the law.
For more information about fair use criteria or copyright generally, consult the Muhlenberg College Copyright Policy and Primer, or call x3602.
Infomaniac Tip
Touring History
Historic Italy, UNESCO World Heritage, and More
Google Maps Street View “lets you explore places around the world through 360-degree street-level imagery.” Visit notable historical sites, such as the Colosseum and the Appian Way. Explore, too, UNESCO World Heritage sites, cultural sites, world landmarks, sites of natural beauty like Hawaii Beaches and Whistler Blackcomb Ski Slopes, and more. Get started athttp://maps.google.com/help/maps/streetview/gallery.html#historic-italy. (Bonus: Want to see how Google gets photos of out of the way places? Check out the Street View Trike).Visualizing Early Washington DC
“UMBC’s Imaging Research Center is working to re-create Washington DC in its early years 1790-1820. […] In 1791, Pierre-Charles L’Enfant arrived in Georgetown Maryland with orders from President George Washington to lay out the new Federal City. What did he actually see as he rode the land on horseback?” Take a look at http://visualizingdc.com/.
